Heavy rains are to be expected throughout most of Mexico in September. The rains do, however, work in providing a cool and welcome respite from the humid and sticky conditions during what is usually already a hot period up until that point. Average temperatures in September fall slightly compared to the preceding few months and stand at lows of 12°C (54°F) and highs of 33°C (91°F) nationwide.
If you don't mind the afternoon rains, and are in the mood for a quieter holiday, a September trip to Mexico may just be perfect for you. It is peaceful and relaxing, with barely any tourists in the country during the month. While transportation is sometimes affected given the weather conditions in the country during September, everything from airfare and accommodation to entertainment and shopping cost a fraction of what they do during the peak winter months.
Because it's going to be hot, wet, and sticky in Mexico in September, it's essential you pack a range of summer clothes, swimwear, and a reliable raincoat for your travels to the country around this time. Additionally, you will need a couple of sweaters and light jackets if you plan on spending some time in Mexico City as the early mornings and late evenings can be a little chilly there.
To get a better understanding of what Mexico is like in terms of climate and weather conditions during the month of September, continue reading below.
Mexico Weather in September: Overview
- Average temperature range: 12°C (54°F) – 33°C (91°F)
- Rainfall: 200 mm (8 inches) in Mexico City; 190 mm (7 inches) in Cancun; 140 mm (6 inches) in Oaxaca; 125 mm (5 inches) in Cabo San Lucas.
- Rainy days: 16 in Mexico City; 14 in Cancun; 12 in Oaxaca; 5 in Cabo San Lucas.
How hot or cold it'll be in Mexico come September depends entirely on places you plan on visiting. You can expect the average maximum temperatures to be around 24°C (75°F) in the capital, Mexico City, 31°C (88°F) in Cancun, 26°C (79°F) in Oaxaca, and 32°C (90°F) in Cabo San Lucas. The average temperature minimums, on the other hand, can be expected to be around 12°C (54°F) in Mexico City, 25°C (77°F) in Cancun, 15°C (59°F) in Oaxaca, and 26°C (79°F) in Cabo San Lucas on the Pacific coast.
Moderate to heavy amounts of rainfall can be expected in almost every region of Mexico during September. You needn't worry, though, as the rain showers take place in short, intense, bursts, and are usually limited to the afternoons, meaning you can easily enjoy your outdoor excursions provided they're planned for the mornings and evenings.
What is crucial to bear in mind when traveling around Mexico in September is that it is hurricane season. Heavy tropical storms affect most parts of the country during the month and it's very important you check local and national weather forecasts frequently to get a good idea of storms that may be developing nearby.
Despite the storms, September remains a very good time to visit Mexico. There are cenotes waiting for you to dive in, memorable marine life experiences to be had, and several fun-filled festivals worth experiencing.
Weather of Mexico Major Cities in September
| City | Min. Temp | Max. Temp | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico City | 12°C (54°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 200 mm (8 inches) |
| Cancun | 25°C (77°F) | 31°C (88°F) | 190 mm (7 inches) |
| Guadalajara | 17°C (63°F) | 28°C (82°F) | 165 mm (6 inches) |
| Oaxaca | 15°C (59°F) | 26°C (79°F) | 140 mm (6 inches) |
| Chichen Itza | 26°C (79°F) | 33°C (91°F) | 150 mm (6 inches) |
| Cabo San Lucas | 26°C (79°F) | 32°C (90°F) | 125 mm (5 inches) |
| Monterrey | 21°C (70°F) | 31°C (88°F) | 150 mm (6 inches) |
Best Places to Visit in Mexico in September
1. Isla Guadalupe
The warm waters of the uninhabited Guadalupe Island attract seals and bluefin tuna, among other marine life, around September, and this in turn results in the arrival of countless Great White sharks to the area. If you love a good adventure, you should sign up for a liveaboard diving tour during which you will get to see these beautiful creatures swimming up close from inside the safety of a sturdy cage. Members of the crew are experienced and helpful as always, so all safety precautions are always addressed. It's an experience unlike any other!
2. Zazil Tunich
September is one of the best months in the year to go cenote diving. Cenotes are naturally formed sinkholes filled with groundwater, and replenished by rainwater, located deep in caves and caverns. The Yucatan Peninsula has many such cenotes and one of the most mesmerizing ones of all is Zazil Tunich close to the city of Valladolid. Although not as popular as some other cenotes, the waters of Zazil Tunich are a shade of awe-inspiring azure you will love swimming in! With prior booking, you can organize romantic dinners in the cenote and even experience Mayan ceremonies there.
3. San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is in the cool highlands of Mexico and remains a crowd favorite given its colonial architecture and picturesque cobblestone city center. Unlike most places in the country, the city is also blessed with excellent temperatures during September, though you may need a sweater or light jacket for the early hours of the mornings and the late hours of the evenings. During the last few days of September, San Miguel de Allende also hosts its annual Fiesta de San Miguel festival, honoring the city's patron saint, San Miguel Arcangel.
September Crowds and Costs
Hurricane season results in very few people visiting Mexico during September. It is quiet and generally empty in most tourist hotspots around the nation. If you don't mind the afternoon rains as much and are looking for a relaxing holiday without having too many people around, a September trip to Mexico helps you tick a lot of those boxes.
The off season results in very favorable travel-related costs. While you may have to be slightly flexible with your transportation options given the weather conditions in Mexico during this time of year, you will benefit from a lot of great deals to be had on accommodation, airfare, entertainment, and shopping.
September Events in Mexico
Independence Day: Mexico celebrates its Independence Day on September 16 every year to commemorate its secession from the colonial government of Spain. The day is marked by military displays, parades, traditional music and dances, and of course, fireworks! Some of the best of these festivities take place in the capital, Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, and Guanajuato.
The day is a national public holiday meaning all government offices, schools, and banks remain closed on this momentous day.
Fiesta de San Miguel: The city of San Miguel de Allende hosts its annual Fiesta de San Miguel every year on September 29 or the closest weekend to this date. The festival is celebrated in honor of the city's patron saint, San Miguel Arcangel, and features processions, religious ceremonies, and fireworks!
What to Wear in Mexico in September
Packing primarily summer clothing, beach wear, and wet weather items will suffice for a trip to Mexico in September. While it isn't cold in most parts of the country around this time, you will need a sweater or light jacket for your mornings and late evenings in the capital, CDMX.
All in all, your packing list should include long sleeved cotton shirts, linen t-shirts, other quick-drying tops, a reliable raincoat or poncho, an umbrella, sundresses, shorts, skirts, lightweight pants, swimwear, beach cover ups, reef shoes, waterproof shoes, sandals, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and insect repellant if you're traveling around Mexico in September. Additionally, do make sure you pack a couple of sweaters and light jackets if you're going to spend a few days in Mexico City.
Explore Mexico with Global Highlights
Mexico is an absolute dream to visit, and our team of travel experts here at Global Highlights would be thrilled to help you realize that dream. We know the ins and outs of traveling around Mexico and have years of experience planning the perfect itinerary for this Central American paradise. This expertise will ensure you have a thoroughly memorable time during your holiday, and come back home refreshed, rejuvenated, and with plenty of stories to tell your friends. We'll keep everything from weather conditions to special interests in mind, so all you need to worry about is having as good a time as possible!
